Richard Boyatzis and I both agree on EI Importance

Richard Boyatzis, Author and Lecturer on Emotional Intelligence

Last week, Linkage had their yearly GILD (Global Institute of Leadership Development) event. This program attracts talented aspiring leaders from around the globe. The program is intense, while the list of speakers is extremely impressive, from leadership to emotional intelligence to innovation to the difference in the generations.

I was one of the staff executive coaches and had the opportunity to speak with Richard Boyatzis about leadership’s need for emotional intelligence.

What would a group of over 500 attendees have in common? Low Emotional Intelligence or EI scores.

Emotional Intelligence and Leaders….what?

Your emotional intelligence score is based on your people skills. How well do you control your emotions to be appropriate for the situation? Do you pick up on the needs and emotions of others? Do you speak and communicate in a way that is understood and encourages others? Are you developing, mentoring and encouraging your team and those around you?

There are a number of proficiencies that make up emotional intelligence but do not under estimate it; it’s highly important and essential in leadership. Richard Boyatzis and I both agree, this is what makes the difference between fair leaders and outstanding leaders.

80% of your success is due to your emotional intelligence. About 91% of the attendees scored low in this one very important area. Actually, all 91% rated themselves as having great emotional intelligence but those around them, who rated their performance, gave them lower scores.

Now What?

If you are in a leadership position, managing others and want to develop your leadership skills or are looking for was to move up in your career, then taking the time to learn and enhance these emotional intelligence skills is a must.

There are a number of books on this subject from Richard Boyatzis and Dan Golman. I recommend the guide book, Rethinking Leadership, as one resource to walk you through the process with development tips.